Faith Chapel - Huntington

Historical Evidence of Jesus' Resurrection: The Sources

In today's episode Pastor Jason examines the historical evidence showing multiple sources—both biblical and extra‑biblical—that show the apostles claimed Jesus rose from the dead. We survey resurrection appearances in Luke, John, and Matthew and review second‑generation Christians (Clement of Rome and Polycarp) plus non‑Christian witnesses (Tacitus and Josephus).

Historical Evidence of Jesus' Resurrection: Women as First Eyewitnesses

Greetings and welcome to the Faith Chapel podcast. Pastor Jason examines the historical evidence for Jesus' resurrection by focusing on the historians' "criterion of embarrassment": the surprising fact that women are reported as the first witnesses to the empty tomb. He summarizes the gospel accounts, explains the first-century cultural context that made female testimony unlikely, and shows how that detail increases the probability that the resurrection accounts reflect real events.

Historical Evidence of Jesus' Resurrection: Jerusalem’s Test

Pastor Jason examines historical and biblical evidence that the proclamation of Jesus’ resurrection began in Jerusalem—the most difficult place for a fabricated story to take hold. He surveys Luke and Acts, Matthew’s account of guards at the tomb, Tacitus’ external confirmation, and archaeological and documentary indications that support the claim. Drawing a cumulative case, the episode argues that the spread of belief in Jerusalem, combined with the guarded tomb narrative and contemporary records, makes theft or hoax explanations unlikely and strengthens the historical claim of the resurrection.

Historical Evidence of Jesus' Resurrection: The Tomb

Pastor Jason explores the historical and archaeological evidence for Jesus’ burial, comparing the four Gospel accounts with recent excavations beneath the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The episode examines details such as Joseph of Arimathea’s rock-cut tomb, a nearby cultivated garden, and dating that aligns with the first century. Drawing on ancient sources and modern archaeology, the episode shows how these findings corroborate the Gospel narratives and sets up the next discussion about the apostles’ early testimony in Jerusalem.

Historical Evidence of Jesus' Resurrection: Was he really dead?

Pastor Jason begins a new series examining the historical evidence for Jesus’ resurrection by asking a crucial question: was Jesus actually dead when laid in the tomb? This episode reviews Gospel witnesses, Roman execution practices, archaeological finds, and medical opinions to test the swoon (revival) theory and explains why the evidence points to Jesus’ actual death on the cross.

Question 12: How to respond to doubt

Pastor Jason concludes the Questions series by exploring how believers should respond to personal doubts and to others who struggle with faith. Using examples like Doubting Thomas, the father who cried "I believe; help my unbelief," and John the Baptist, he shows how Jesus responds with compassion, Scripture, and signs of God’s work. The episode encourages bringing doubts to God and trusted believers, listening without judgment, and using scripture and personal testimony to gently guide others.

Question 11: The Power of Laying On of Hands

In this episode Pastor Jason addresses a question about the biblical practice of laying on of hands. He traces its roots from Old Testament sacrifices and rabbinic ordination through Jesus' healings in the Gospels and the Acts example of Ananias restoring Saul's sight. Jason explains the practice as an expression of presence and identification — being with someone in their need — and discusses why it’s less common today (awkwardness, boundaries, and technology). He encourages asking permission and using touch thoughtfully, affirming that God can use our obedient, compassionate presence to minister to others.

Question 10: Human Sexuality

In this episode from the Questions series, the congregation submitted a difficult question about human sexuality and its consequences. The answer to this question is grounded in Romans, reminding listeners that Jesus must sit on the throne of our hearts, that all people struggle with idols and sin, and that salvation is by grace through faith. We walk through Paul’s teaching on brokenness, idolatry, and the need for repentance. The core question—"Why did God create gay people just to send them to hell?"—is answered pastorally and biblically: God does not make people for condemnation, and everyone is invited to faith and transformation in Christ.

Question 9 - Trusting God When Life Seems Unfair

Pastor Jason explores a difficult question from the "Questions" series: why do some people die young while others endure long seasons of suffering? Using biblical examples—David, Job, Mephibosheth, and Stephen—he shows that Scripture does not always give a clear reason, but it calls us to trust that God knows all possibilities and remains sovereign.The episode points listeners to a practical response in suffering: even when we cannot answer "why," we can rest in the truth that Jesus is on the throne, seek community, and hold fast to faith and compassion for those who suffer.

Question 8 - Jesus’ Healing Power

In this episode from the Questions series, the congregation asks: How does Jesus heal? Using John 11 and the raising of Lazarus, Pastor Jason examines Jesus’ power over death, shows how people often limit God with human assumptions, and explains what Jesus’ identity as “the resurrection and the life” means for healing and hope. The episode concludes with a communion reflection and an invitation to trust God’s limitless power.